THE STORY OF JESUS: Genesis 21:1-25:18 “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” (Genesis 22:3) God promised a great family through Isaac, and Abraham believed it. When asked him to sacrifice Isaac, he knows its a test – God will keep Isaac alive. This test sounds disturbing to us, but Abraham took…
Category: daily meditations
Twisted, yet chosen!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Genesis 18:1-20:18 “Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him.” (Genesis 18:18) Have you ever heard the phrase, ‘how odd of God to choose the Jews?’ I find all these stories ‘odd’ or ‘twisted’… Lot’s town wanting to rape the visitors, Lot…
Break the cycle of hate!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 5:21-26 “Anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” (Matthew 5:22) The Pharisees focused on the details of the Law of Moses, to obey its words. Jesus is focusing on the heart – or point – of the Laws… love. We shouldn’t read these words like…
Surpassing grace!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 5:17-20 “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees… you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20) The Pharisees were the most righteous Jews of their day. We cannot surpass their scrupulous religiosity! But Jesus is NOT calling for the same kind of righteousness, only stronger. He is speaking…
His light through me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14) This is BOTH something I am, and something I ought to be. It is a great honor to be God’s ambassador, to reflect His light in the world. It is also a great responsibility, with important consequences. Look at Adam and Eve,…
This is THE life!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 5:1-12 “Blessed… for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) Jesus is describing the kind of person that God honors. A meek, merciful, pure in heart peacemaker who longs to do the right thing! Often poverty, grief and persecution will be the result for this person. But also blessing, comfort, satisfaction, mercy,…
Finding strength in the Lord!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 4 “In peace I lie down and sleep, for you alone make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8) In vv.1,6-7 David is wrestling with God, honestly sharing his struggle. In vv.2-5 he is challenging his tormentors, boldly sharing his faith. Personally he is wrestling, but publicly he is standing firm. This reminds…
A lamb of a man!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Genesis 15:1-17:27 “Ishmael… will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.” (Genesis 16:12) Jews trace their origins back to Isaac, son of Abram. Muslims trace their origins back to Ishmael, son of…
God wants to bless everyone!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Genesis 11:27-14:24 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:2-3)…
The kingdom dream made possible!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 4:23-25 “Proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” (Matthew 4:23) Do you think much about the kingdom of God? Probably more than you realize, though not in those terms. Do you want a sick person healed, or a broken marriage restored? Do you…